The recent succession of summer heatwaves has made cooling homes a significant financial concern for many households. Consumer finance experts have offered practical advice on how individuals can manage their costs effectively despite soaring temperatures.
Tamsin Powell, a consumer finance expert from credit provider Creditspring, highlighted the risk of unnecessary overspending in attempts to stay cool. She explained the various ways expenses can quickly accumulate: “The financial pressure is not only the price of a portable air conditioner, it is the knock-on spending that can come with a heatwave. This includes rushed purchases, higher electricity use and running heat-producing appliances when the home is already too warm.”
To help prevent such spikes in expenditure, Ms Powell suggests several effective strategies for maintaining a comfortable home environment without breaking the bank.
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One key tip is to identify which windows receive the most direct sunlight and install removable reflective blinds, roller screens, or external shading to reduce heat intake. Citing research by the Window Shading Association, she noted that fitting roller screens in a model office setting reduced cooling energy costs by up to 23 per cent. While savings can vary depending on each household, the main benefit is the prevention of heat entering the property in the first place.
Instead of attempting to cool an entire home, which often results in inefficient electricity use, Ms Powell recommends focusing cooling efforts on the single room where you spend most of your time. This creates an energy-efficient “cool retreat” for peak temperature periods.
When considering purchases such as fans or portable air conditioners, Ms Powell advises factoring in the devices’ running costs, not just their upfront price. She suggests checking electricity consumption rates and expected usage frequency before making a decision and considering a 24-hour waiting period before buying to evaluate necessity and value.
Additionally, Ms Powell recommends adjusting daily habits to reduce internal heat generation from household appliances. Avoiding oven use, opting for no-cook meals, air-drying laundry, and scheduling heat-heavy tasks for cooler parts of the day can all help lower both indoor temperatures and energy bills.
“Where possible, opt for no-cook meals, air-dry laundry and move heat-heavy household jobs to cooler parts of the day,” she said. “It is a practical way to cut both unwanted heat and avoidable energy use.”
By following these tips, households can better manage their energy consumption during heatwaves, reducing financial strain while keeping their homes comfortable.